The Björkö-Panike electric ferry will resume service from 2 May 2026

In 2024, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services renovated the 23-kilometre-long hiking trail between the villages of Björköby and Panike in collaboration with the Kvarken World Heritage Association, the Municipality of Korsholm and the Björkö Joint Ownership Association.

As a result of the development work, two new rest areas were opened on the Björkö–Panike hiking trail, and new footbridges, signs and trail markings were installed. Part of the hiking trail was made accessible, and an information hut and an accessible viewing platform were built.

The biggest new feature of the hiking trail was the ferry across Korsbådafjärden, which began operating in June 2024. This summer, the solar-powered cable ferry is back in service. The ferry is unmanned; hikers will operate the automated ferry themselves.

The electric ferry will operate in good weather until the end of September according to the following timetable:

• 2 May–14 June 2026: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–6pm
• 15 June–16 August 2026: Monday–Sunday, 10am–6pm
• 17 August–27 September 2026: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–6pm

There is always one person in charge of the ferry during each trip. To operate the ferry, you must be at least 15 years old and able to provide strong identification. Instructions for identification are available at the Korsbådafjärden ferry landings, https://www.neilos.fi/login and at the World Heritage Gateway Visitor Centre in Replot. If it is not possible to verify your identity via telephone or computer, the necessary registration can be completed at the World Heritage Gateway Visitor Centre.

The ferry is not in operation on days when the water level is low or when there are strong.